Absolutely Gorgeous

As I sat in my seat on the charter bus taking the group of students from my college up to Fallingwater, it was like driving back in time. The closer we got, the more nature their was and the less 'civilization.' If you ask me, we have it backwards. The peaceful sensations I experience in these 'doors to the past' give me more a sense of belonging and inner peace. It's funny how people always scoff at the wonders of nature. 'What's so good about it? It's harder than hell to get a good reception.' That's not the point at all, the point of nature is to be one with one's self, and to gain an inner peace otherwise not found when talking on a cell phone.

As I said, the drive up was like driving into the past. There were trees and other vegetation everywhere, and it all looked so natural, right, and beautiful. Though the path was a bit tight for a charter bus, after we passed the gate, I was amazed. Beyond the parking lot was a mulch walkway which led to a pavillion with four different verandas. One held a chair museum, which housed the changes in chairs from the 1930's until the 1950's I believe. It also house, of course, the bathrooms, as well as a small cafe and a gift shop. After eating lunch, (of which I had prepared the night before, a peanut butter and jelly sandwhich, gold fish crackers, smarties and kit-kats, xD) most of us sat or walked around, looked at the gift shop, looked at the chair exhibit, or stood and talked.

It was pretty cold, so we stood in close knit groups. Funnily enough, most of the students I walked with seemed to be cullinary students. Around twelve our group was split into two, and having been in the first group, ascended down the pavillion path and down to the Fallingwater house.

Now, it is exactly as it sounds: this house is built on a waterfall.

From the very beginning, just the outside takes your breath away. Here are two pictures of the outside to show you what I mean:

A shot taken probably near sunset or sometime after the sun had risen.

A picture as the sun was setting I believe.

Here is the site where you can look up information about Fallingwater.
http://fallingwater.org/

That's just a tiny taste of what this place has to offer, there is so much more to it.

Walking over the bridge like structure, you get a pefect view of the front most part of the house. If you look down below, there are stairs leading from the living room to the water, and stairs hidden off to the side that lead into a four foot deep plunging pool. There is also a statue, one of many placed throughout the house. I think it was a version of the mother and child thing.

As you walk forward and cut towards the left, you walk through a small open hall like structure, where you actually see a footbath. Complete with running water and a bar of soap on a chain. The tour guide said it was the same scent as Lillian Kauffmen had on the chain. She also told us that the Kauffmen's often hiked and did other such activities within the forest.

When you walk into the front door, you'll see a desk where you can put large purses and such stuff, since they don't allow you to have large bags, cameras and such stuff while on the tour. There's no way I can explain what this house looks like from the inside, it's so gorgeous... and peaceful. As I said, it's like walking into the past. The actual boulder that supports the back of the house is actually used within the house. Plus there's this scent there, it's not musty or moldy, but it's just... like a breath of fresh air. There are four bedrooms within the main house as well as four bathrooms and private terraces. The servant/quest house behind the main has its own rooms and bathrooms. Both also have windows only in the front of the house, so everyone could have their privacy.

If ever you get the chance to visit this beautiful place, you'll know exactly how I feel when I think about it. There's a sense of calm that can't be explained except that it's a natural sense that had always been there, yet was blocked because of the fast paced lives we live. Now when I need a quick escape I can just picture that place in my head and I feel better instantly. Trust me, this place is amazing. It'll have you wanting to come back to learn more.